Pennethorne, John; Robinson, John [Ill.]: The geometry and optics of ancient architecture: illustrated by examples from Thebes, Athens, and Rome (London [u.a.], 1878)

THE COLUMNS. iso

trace the chord N&, and bisect it in g; draw the line, gj), at right angles to N6 ; then D, D', are
the two other centres required for completing the arc of the flute aME'Nb.

In the fluting of both the Doric and the Ionic shafts the depth of the flute is made to
increase, when compared with the width of the same, towards the top of the shaft thus__

Width of Depth of Widtll of Depth of

flute- flute. flute. flute.

In the Erechtheium North Portico : lower diameter. 10
In the Vestibule of the Propylaea „ .16

In the Parthenon „

4 Upper diameter 9

5 „ 12
2 „ 12

4
4

2

This increase in the depth of the flute increased also the depth of the shadows, and
must have given relief to the appearance of the shaft. By a variety of light and shade it
might also have apparently added to the convexity of the outline.